Project Lead – Challenge Fund (CIFF)

Organization: MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI Nigeria)

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Application Deadline: 23 January 2026 (Interviews conducted on a rolling basis)

Introduction

Strong leadership and accountable grant management are essential to advancing sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This senior role ensures that catalytic funding delivers measurable impact, strengthens country programmes, and accelerates progress toward national and global goals. By stewarding a complex donor portfolio and coordinating diverse partners, the Project Lead plays a pivotal role in expanding access to high-quality, rights-based reproductive health services. The position directly contributes to sustainable systems change and long-term impact.

Job Summary

The Project Lead will provide end-to-end leadership for the CIFF Challenge Fund portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance, and performance across country programmes and partners. The role combines strategic oversight, data-driven performance management, and strong stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will drive results aligned with MSI Nigeria’s 2030 strategy while strengthening donor relationships and organisational learning.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Leadership, Delivery & Compliance

• Lead portfolio start-up, develop implementation guidance, and oversee delivery against approved plans.
• Own work planning, execution, and adaptive management in line with donor requirements and timelines.
• Ensure robust documentation systems, risk management, and information security.
• Guarantee timely, accurate, and high-quality narrative and financial reporting that meets donor and MSI standards.
• Monitor performance against KPIs and logframes; initiate corrective actions where needed.
• Prepare donor reports, briefs, and position papers; coordinate audits and reviews as required.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Steward portfolio performance to ensure results are delivered on time and within budget.
• Partner with Technical Services and M&E teams to design learning agendas, operations research, and impact measurement.
• Synthesize insights, best practices, and innovations; disseminate learning across teams and partners.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Build and manage strategic relationships with CIFF and other donors, partners, and policymakers.
• Strengthen country programme capacity to manage donor engagement and compliance.
• Increase project visibility and influence through meetings, events, media, and policy fora.
• Coordinate with Communications to advance norm-change and advocacy initiatives.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance oversight to project teams and partners.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to deliver integrated, high-quality outcomes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive culture aligned with MSI values and safeguarding commitments.
• Represent MSI Nigeria at high-level meetings and sector platforms as required.

Business Development

• Support growth of CIFF and complementary donor funding in alignment with organisational strategy.
• Collaborate with Programme Design & Development to position MSI as a partner of choice and shape the sector agenda.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA/MSc/MA) in public health or a related discipline.
• 8–15 years of progressive project management experience, including at least three years managing large SRH/family planning grants.
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s sexual and reproductive health and family planning landscape.
• Proven experience managing major donors (e.g., CIFF, BMGF, USAID, FCDO, BMZ).
• Excellent analytical, financial oversight, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication; ability to manage sensitive information diplomatically.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills with senior government counterparts.
• Strong people management, planning, and cross-team coordination capabilities.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to work in deadline-driven environments.

Attitude & Motivation

• Pro-choice: Must be aligned with MSI’s mission and safeguarding principles.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and willing to travel as required.

Why This Role Is Important

This position ensures that innovative funding translates into scalable, high-impact reproductive health outcomes. By strengthening delivery, accountability, and partnerships, the Project Lead enables evidence-based decisions and sustainable results. The role is central to achieving MSI Nigeria’s strategic ambitions and advancing rights-based care.

Benefits of Applying

• Senior leadership role within a globally respected SRH organisation.
• Opportunity to shape national impact through a high-profile donor portfolio.
• Professional growth through strategic influence, learning, and cross-country collaboration.
• Inclusive, values-driven workplace with strong safeguarding commitments.
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience. (Note: No relocation allowance provided).

About MSI Reproductive Choices

MSI Reproductive Choices is a global leader in sexual and reproductive healthcare, committed to choice, access, and quality. The organisation delivers contraception, safe abortion where legal, and post-abortion care through compassionate, client-centred services. Working with governments and partners, MSI focuses on innovation, equity, and sustainable systems. MSI Nigeria upholds zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, and harassment.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply via MSI Reproductive Choices’ official application platform.

Apply via:

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Deadline: 23 January 2026 (Open until filled; rolling interviews)

Tips for Applicants

• Demonstrate leadership of large, donor-funded SRH projects with measurable results.
• Highlight experience with CIFF or comparable donors and compliance frameworks.
• Showcase stakeholder engagement and advocacy outcomes.
• Tailor your CV to evidence strategic oversight, learning, and people management impact.